The Crimson Star

Summary

He unleashed evil into the world and fights the temptation his cursed swords offer him. He will stop at nothing to send the Beast back into the Hell It came from, even if he must kill every living thing to do so.

Others, traveling the same path of fate must stand together with Adarm and defeat the Master and his countless minions. Will they succeed or will Adarm destroy them all...

Read More From Dale Broda, Jr

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The Crimson Star - Dale Broda, Jr

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CHAPTER 1

Adarm

"Killing is something I must do, it is not something I choose to do. You’ll never understand, only through killing can I achieve the power I need to put right what I made wrong."

The pale, blue moon cast little light without her sister’s support, but it was enough for Malek to see the darker than night figure near him. Those azure eyes almost seemed to glimmer. The air was filled with the fresh scent of night lilies. A pack of tree dryads sang to each other.

This would have been a perfect night to be out listening to the wild. Watching the moons and stars pass by. Pondering the whys and what fors. But not now. Not in the company of the creature next to him. Malek glanced nervously at his companion.

He looked like a flowing shadow. He was called Adarm the damned around most parts. He was the terror parents warned their children of. He was the killer of people. The destroyer of villages and cities alike. In short, he was the devil incarnate.

What does your magic sense, Malek? His voice was so cold. Devoid of any emotion.

Just a few guards... Malek cringed as the shadow leapt towards him.

Calm yourself. Would I have spared you, then bought your services, only to kill you here? Adarm’s azure eyes glittered. The single moon seemed to offer him plenty of light. While your power would indeed be welcome, and my swords do hunger for it, I need you and I have said I would not harm you. Malek felt a shiver as those unblinking eyes locked onto him. Seeming to burn though him.

Do you doubt my word?

No, no. Sorry... it’s just... Malek shivered as he remembered Adarm’s attack on his home village a month ago.

***

Malek had heard the screams and instantly grabbed his bow before climbing up onto his roof for a better view. He was not the best shot, but it was his only weapon. One glance told him who was attacking. Not an enemy nation, nor a horde of slobbering gruggs. Just this one man.

***

... there? Adarm looked at him, one silver eyebrow raised.

P–Pardon? Malek’s mind snapped back into the present.

I asked if you could get in there? He motioned towards the sentry tower.

Yes.

Good. Get in and kill the guards.

What? I could easily...

Kill them! I cannot risk one of them recovering and raising the alarm now can I? He reached over his shoulders and drew forth his swords. It only took a glance to show the swords to be unnatural.

It was hard to say why exactly, but they seemed filled with some strange life of their own. As soon as they were drawn, they began to glow a soft blue. Malek stared into their bluish steel. He shivered again as he felt the pure hatred and hunger that seemed to emanate from them. He looked away but visions of the previous attack flowed back into his mind.

***

Malek stood on his roof, bow in hand, jaw hanging slack as he stared at the massacre taking place. Adarm strolled down the main road without a care in the World. His silver fire hair whipping about him. His body covered in clothes that were darker than the darkest night.

At first Malek had wondered where the blood and meat was coming from. Adarm appeared to have no arms. But then, as he came closer, Malek saw the truth.

Adarm’s arms were a blur! Moving in and out. Darting this way and that. Moving so quickly they were nearly invisible. Men came running from all directions. Weapons in hand, war cries pouring forth. Only to reach him and not even get a chance to strike before being sliced into countless pieces.

Finally, Malek gained control of himself. Drawing his bow to his ear, anchored, aimed and let fly. The arrow flew true! Only to be hacked into splinters before it could reach Adarm. The burning eyes glanced up at him. Seemed to dare him.

More men came forth, Malek waited till they were close then let loose again. The men died, his arrow fared no better.

Malek strung another arrow, drew it back, and whispered a few Words of Fire. When the arrow began to smoke, he released it.

... now? That voice.

***

W–What?

Wake up little man! Get your mind on your job, go now. He seemed to flow to his feet, without a sound he moved off down the slight hill towards the farthest of the two sentry towers.

Even Malek’s Word enhanced ears heard nothing. With a slight sigh, he gained his feet and hurried towards the sentry tower closest to him.

A few Words of Hiding, a few Words of Quiet, and he was nearly invisible. He reached the sentry tower, climbed the steps and stopped dead in his tracks as he came face to face with a guard!

Coulda sworn I heard somethin’. Humm. With a shrug, the man turned and went back to his partner. Malek breathed out a sigh of relief. That was close!

Told ya you were hearin’ things! I shou– Malek ignored the rest as he combed his brain for a few Words to work these two without killing them. The Words of Sleep. What were they? Think think think.

Ah yes! He blurted, then hurriedly covered his mouth. Stupid!

Now that wa– The guard trailed off mid-sentence as Malek hit them with the Words. Both men fell flat to the floor. He walked to one of the windows and gazed out at the other sentry tower.

Blue fire seemed to be spilling out of the uppermost window. He shook his head sadly, those men were not so lucky as these two had been. Climbing back down the steps, he could picture that first meeting with Adarm so clearly.

***

The magiced arrow flew true again, as it came within reach it was splintered by Adarm, just as Malek had hoped. A loud percussion filled the night as the arrow exploded, covering Adarm with a sheet of liquid flame. A man size pillar of fire that brought light to the darkened streets.

Malek nodded, smiling. The pillar of flame moved. Moved towards him! Malek just stared... all his Words forgotten as the fire began to dim, revealing the man trapped within. He was untouched! His glittering eyes full of laughter.

That was impressive! He had shouted. Malek shivered, his bow fell useless from numb fingers. He could see that whatever power possessed those swords, his Words would have no effect.

The fire he had created was fading even now as it danced from one of Adarm’s swords to the other. Dancing around the man, but never touching him. Actually, it seemed to be drawing into those swords.

You are the man I need. His arms suddenly appeared, hanging motionless at his sides as he stood beneath Malek. You are the Word Mage I came here for.

Malek watched the last sparks of his flame magic vanish into the swords. Adarm calmly sheathed them, nodding.

I need your help to kill a creature so evil, so vile, Malek had grunted at the words. A creature more evil than this? He looked pointedly at the slaughtered men, women and even children! what’s wrong?

Those? Adarm snorted, motioning towards the dead. They would have willingly given their energy to me if they had known my quest but I find that most do not part willingly with their energy. Foolish. His cold gaze moved about the survivors. Many stood numb, as if in shock. Some held weapons, brooms, whatever they could find. None made a move towards him.

The rest will be spared if you come with me. Will you come down or must I come up? Malek scrambled down to meet this

beast.

Why do... what is... you murderer!! Malek lashed out at the man.

Now, now. Adarm caught his fists, holding them easily. You will come to understand as we travel. His gaze had turned stony, his grip tightened. Or you can join these others, and help me feed these cursed swords. Then, as now, Malek had seen no other choice.

None that left him alive anyway.

He tripped, falling hard onto the ground...

***

At least it brought him back into the present. Quickly gaining his feet, he shot a nervous glance at the approaching shadow before hurrying towards the Palace gate. The shadow came closer, revealing Adarm and those cursed swords. He moved silent as death beside the smaller man.

Malek spared not a glance for his silent employer, choosing instead to study the Palace before them. It was a fantastic place! Beautiful, golden towers with wide sweeping windows that were bordered by what looked like gems and jewels of every size and shape. They glowed ever so softly in the moonlight.

The closer the Palace loomed, the more beautiful it became, with intricate golden etchings covering its walls. Amazingly detailed engravings in the stones themselves, depicting beautiful and exotic men, women, and animals. He was awed.

Don’t let its outer beauty lull you into a false sense of peacefulness, little man. Malek glared. Adarm smiled. It’s true. Inside there is one of the most vile creatures you will ever meet. One of his swords snaked upward, seemed to caress his cheek. Malek could see the man shiver. Yes, you damned twisted things, you will be well fed tonight.

Malek frowned as he watched the sword. It seemed to glow slightly in response to those words. He looked back to the Palace, but already his rattled mind began to wander back to their journey. Who knew, maybe he himself was still in some kind of shock, even after these few moons worth of traveling.

***

They are a necessary evil. Adarm told him, as the man calmly trailed one of the swords through some innocents’ blood. I’m after a vile wraith, a demon if you will. What is the best way to defeat a demon little man?

With pray and good will? Malek had retorted, disgusted by this latest killing. These people had simply been in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

"Oh? HaHa! Adarm’s laugh was as emotionless as everything else he said. The swords slid home, hiding in their sheaths, seemingly glaring over Adarm’s shoulders. Still chuckling at Malek’s words, he began to move on. No, a good thought, and a fine dream, but alas... no. He frowned, a look of cold hatred filled him. To kill the beast, you must become the beast. I will kill this abomination, and with that act, my soul shall be redeemed and all these deaths will be forgiven."

He cast a look of such hatred over his shoulder that Malek spun around, a few Words of Defense on his lips. Nothing was there. Then he realized Adarm had sent that glare at his own swords.

These damned blades are all that will kill the true Beast, but wielding them comes at a price. A blood price. He looked up at the stars. "Once this is over, and they have killed the Beast, then my soul

shall be redeemed and they shall vanish down the deepest, darkest pit I can find." His eyes met Malek’s confused stare. Malek quickly looked elsewhere, unable to meet those cold, bottomless pits of shimmering azure.

It was by– A sharp pain in his gut.

***

Stay focused! I think that statue there is magiced.

Malek rubbed his stomach, frowned at the much bigger man, before looking at the statue. He had better try to stay focused or he may end up as dead as most of his friends in Waterkeep.

It looked normal to him. He whispered a Word of Magic Sight and gave a start. He took a stumbling step back. The statue was magiced all right. Magic so black, so vile, so inhumanly evil that it radiated from it like some dark cloud.

He felt sick just seeing it. Swirling about its head... snaking along its stone arms.

As I thought. Adarm charged straight at it. As he came within ten feet the statue burst into life. A strange, inhuman cry issued forth from that stone mouth. It took a step forward, into the range of those swords.

There was a loud, sickening metal on stone noise, and then shards of rock began flying about. A cloud of dust enveloped Adarm and the statue. Malek stood transfixed, still reeling from the horror of that magic.

Soon, the noise of metal scraping stone ceased, and all that remained was a cloud of dust. Adarm came walking through it, a disgusted frown on his lips. He was mumbling to himself, Malek could hear only a little of it

... damned swords... even that you feasted on... that putrid... He glanced at Malek. You see what kind of creature we face my little Word Mage? Does that Palace look so beautiful to you now?

Malek glanced at the shimmering Palace. He was much closer now. He frowned suddenly as the engravings and golden etchings became more visible. He felt his stomach lurch threateningly as he finally saw exactly what those drawings depicted, murder of the vilest sort and couplings that were... beyond grotesque.

Does the... the Beast... here? He managed.

Ha! Hardly... the true Beast I hunt is far more evil than this creature.

Then why–

This creature’s energy! It will add far more power than a hundred innocents! Malek shivered as the swords’ glow brightened, a sickish corpse blue. My little man, there are two types of blood that empower these swords with greater strength than you could ever imagine. The blood of the absolute innocent and the blood of a High demon.

Malek shivered at those words. The blood of the absolute innocent? The blood of a baby!?

I see you understand.

You... you’ve killed newborns? Babies!?

The swords require strength to kill the Beast. The greater good requires sacrifice. The dead understand that. He walked steadily towards the drawbridge. Bring it down.

Wiping his mouth, Malek walked on weak legs towards the bridge. A few simple Words of Opening and they were in. Walking through the empty, echoing halls, Malek kept his eyes glued on the strong back of Adarm. He had glanced once at a picture lining the wall, and its horrific image would be forever ingrained into his mind.

The swords sense no one here. No mortal anyway. Is that true? Sometimes... he reached over his shoulder to touch one of those swords. Sometimes the swords deceive. Malek frowned at that.

Can’t be. Malek whispered the Words of Detection. It is. There are no humans in this Palace. I feel humans in the sentry towers to the rear and sides, but none within the Palace itself. I wonder... His words trailed off as the giant, wooden doors swung open before them.

He walked stiffly into the throne room, trying not to shake as a chill, inhuman magic washed over him. Tasting him, touching him. He noticed Adarm shivered slightly as well. They continued on into the darkened chamber.

Light suddenly flared up all around them, pale green light. Yellow wisps fluttering around within it. An eerie, cloying mist began to rise up from the very floor.

So you have come after all, sweet Adarm? That voice! It was so angelic Malek nearly wept. A woman came through the mist towards them. She was the most perfect creature Malek had ever seen.

She wore a transparent green gown that covered her from neck to toe, but at the same time hid nothing. Green hair framed a perfect, pale face. Her eyes were large and soft, so innocent looking. Her lips, oh so full. To her sides, creatures of purest nightmare stalked along with her.

At one time they may have been hounds of some sort, but now they were covered in black hair, spike tipped tentacles protruding out of their backs, whipping at the air. Their jaws hung open to an amazing degree, showing off the mighty fangs and lolling. Stinger tipped tongues. Their paws looked like disfigured human hands with seven talon tipped fingers.

I have come for you wretch. Adarm’s voice was soft as he stepped forward determinedly. Your evil ends here and with it, your Master will lose a bit more of a foothold.

Shame on you. She tsk-tsked him. My little Adarm is so grown up now, her head lowered, a very hungry smile on those beautiful lips. and so handsome.

She came towards them. Adarm brought his swords into view, setting himself into a fighting stance. She turned a pouty look on Malek. He nearly ran to her, wanting to hold her, comfort her, kiss her.

"How rude. He comes into my home, unannounced, and then threatens me with his little toys." She suddenly smiled. Her emerald eyes blazed into Malek’s. He could feel her rummaging through his mind.

Malek the Word Mage eh? I’ve been meaning to visit that little village of yours for a few decades now. Her hands traveled across her body. Malek’s eyes followed their course, unable to focus on anything but those hands and the body they explored. Come over here Malek. She purred. I could share such... interesting... things with you.

Malek felt himself move toward her, unable to control his limbs.

I think not. Adarm stepped forward, clubbing the smaller man to the ground. Malek moaned once, then all was darkness for him.

*

Fool! She hissed, snake like fangs ripped out of her gums in a small spray of blood. Even your little swords won’t defeat me! Shaw, Neaw! Get the Word Mage! The demon hounds bounded towards the motionless figure. She launched a ball of twisting green flame so quickly, Adarm barely managed to bring the swords forward to block the attack.

Even while defending against it, the power was so great that he was knocked off his feet, spun in the air to land face first on the hard floor. Quick as lightning, she was on him.

Teeth biting into his back, what had once been fingers changed suddenly into claws digging into his sides. He rolled and flipped and elbowed and head butted, all to no avail. She would not be dislodged but he managed to stand.

Damn you beast!! I’ll kill you yet! He felt her teeth trying to gnaw through his darker than night clothes, her claws trying to find an opening.

Hissing her frustration, she stopped biting. What type of foul clothing is this? Growling, she began to dig even harder with those talons. "You will be mine, boy!" Adarm growled himself. If he died now, if he died without killing the Beast, all that innocent blood would be on his hands. He’d be damned in truth!

Dropping the swords he reached over his back, grabbed that green mane and pulled with all his might. She was lifted up over his head, hissing and spitting out curses. He tried to fling her away, but with supernatural speed and agility, she turned in the air, smashing her elbow into his face. He reeled backward, falling to his knees, blood spilling from his nose.

Trying to blink away the bright spots of pain, he saw his swords! He crawled quickly towards them... only to find his way blocked! He stared at the perfect, shapely legs. His eyes traveled slowly upward while his brain spun out plan after plan. Already he could feel his strength waning. Gods. She really was beautiful.

Ah, now my little Adarm, what shall I do with you? She tapped her lip playfully, smirking down at him. The Master will want you for certain, He desperately wants your knowledge of the Crimson Star’s location. With what you know, and what I know, He must surely find it.

He lunged for the swords. She kicked them behind her, smiling ever so sweetly. Smiling still, she punched him in the face twice, then as he fell she dropped a knee onto his head. With a laugh she kicked him into the air. He spun twice before landing on his back.

He stared at the ceiling, dazed but fighting for focus. Stepping across him, she dropped suddenly, sitting on his chest. Her long, taloned fingers caressed his face. She purred softly to him, until his unfocused eyes began to focus on her.

What are you going to... His words trailed off. The swords! The damn cursed swords! He must have them! He needed them. He could feel them screaming out to him. He could feel their need! Their need, his need, it was too much to bear.

Well, what I do with most men. I skin them alive, coat them in some special oil that I have. The real fun begins after that. She smiled. The chill from that smile nearly froze him. You’d not enjoy that I’m afraid. She leaned down, slowly licking the blood from his upper lip. To his horror, it actually felt very good. Very right. She pulled back, smiling. That will not be your fate.

No. The Master wants you. That is all He seeks. I will take you to Him. Her hand reached down, began stroking him, teasing every inch of his body. "You will be my husband in this World. Did you know that? The Master wishes it, so shall it be done. He will not let you go. You must know that. As you have hunted Him out all these centuries, so too have you been hunted."

Her softly glowing eyes bore into his. The emerald green swirling, pulling him in deeper. He knew she spoke the truth. Part of him wanted to accept. She was a beauty like no other. Her soft caresses were not helping the matter, bringing sensations and thoughts he had never experienced before.

Adarm closed his eyes, allowing the licks and touches to lull him.

*

Malek came to his senses just in time to dodge under one of the creatures’ paws while striking the other with a weak wall of flame. To his amazement, it vaporized the strange dog into thin air. He turned just as the other leapt at him.

With a Word, the hound jumped through a ring of liquid flame. It fell to the ground moaning and whining, its strangely human eyes looking at him. Pleading for the end. He ended its suffering with a quick fire bolt to its brain.

Breathing deeply, struggling to stay on his knees, he turned to see Adarm’s predicament. His eyes widened at what he saw. Did he have enough power to help? Should he? He laughed bitterly at that. He had no choice but to help. Only Adam could defeat that demon.

What had he called it? A High demon? Well, whatever that was, Malek knew he could not defeat her. So he would have to try and help as best he could. He glanced around at the few candles and hoped their flames would be enough.

*

She came to her feet slowly, a content smile on her face as she saw Adarm accepting her attention. Accepting her affections. This would indeed be easy. Easier than she had thought. As many as he had killed. So many it was beyond counting. Yet she had tamed him. He was hers! She bent down again to run her hands over his rock hard chest.

It was all happening just as the Master had said it would. Adarm was losing himself to her. He would indeed be hers, just as the Master promised. Suddenly she leaped to her feet, snarling as she felt the magic rushing towards her. She turned to face the Word Mage.

What!?

*

Between her legs, Adarm saw Malek up on one knee, a spear of liquid fire shooting from his fingers. Adarm felt her legs tense as the demon made ready to leap clear. For a split second he debated on letting her, then his head cleared enough to allow him to act.

He grabbed those legs and held them with all his strength, even though he knew he was weaker than she at the moment.

She shot him a glare, her eyes a livid emerald fire. She was able to kick free, but not quick enough! As she jumped, the fire spear caught her through the right hip, sending her spiraling across the room, slamming heavily into some pillar.

Gaining his feet on weakened legs, Adarm raced for his swords. He could see the creature rolling on the floor, hissing and growling in anger. Not pain. Anger! He saw the swords and moved for them. Out of the corner of his eye he saw her come to her feet, the fire consuming her right half still eating through her dress and meat as if it were paper.

He reached for the swords. A ball of green lightening shot towards him. He grabbed the swords and spun to face the oncoming magic, just as he saw her get rolled under by a large wall of red flame from the Word Mage.

He braced himself as the power flooded back into him. Not only from the swords, but also from that deadly green bolt. For a moment all he could see was that evil magic, pushing against the swords, trying to beat him down, then what didn’t get absorbed into him, passed by. He was shivering slightly from the wave of new energy that filled him.

With renewed vigor, he moved towards the creature as it came to its feet. Her clothes were gone now, her flesh smoking, there was nothing but hatred and rage in those sparking eyes. And power. Still plenty of power.

You’ll be mine! Then, the Word Mage will suffer. She howled in rage as she charged him, her arms blurring in motion, long spears of green power flickering from her fingers. He met her head on, his swords cutting her shoulder, then her chest.

He grunted in pain and surprise as she struck him a hard blow to the stomach. They stood toe to toe, a blur of motion surrounding them was a haze of green sparks and red blood.

*

Malek tried to steady himself, tried to see her clearly. But his vision was still fuzzy and his head still hurt. Finally he just sat down and closed his eyes, willing his vision to clear.

Whispering Words of Regeneration and Healing. He could hear them fighting, the grunts, the hisses, the constant whooshing sound of their limbs as they cut through the air. It seemed to last for hours, and then there was a roar... a gurgling roar.

His eyes popped open in time to see the girl falling back, blood spraying from her neck. A look of surprise in her eyes.

Now creature, you die! Adarm stepped forward. The girl vanished in a red mist that sent chunks of her flying towards Malek. As suddenly as that it was over. Adarm calmly sheathed his swords as he came towards the sitting man.

Did you... get...

Yes, all that she knew, all of her energy. He was bleeding from numerous cuts on his face and hands, but his eyes blazed with new knowledge and power. As Malek watched, the cuts were already healing. The Crimson Star is slowly revealing Itself to me, soon, I will kill the Beast, and It shall be mine, and these shall be gone. He looked about at what was left of the High demon. He seemed almost... sad?

She was old, that one. Nearly as old as myself. Maybe the first High demon. Surely one of the first at least. He inspected Malek, his eyes running over the smaller man. If he sees a bite or what looks like a demon infected wound, he’ll kill me.

Malek did not know where that thought came from, but he knew it was true. Finally, Adarm nodded. Malek let out a breath he did not realize he had been holding in.

Turning on his heel Adarm walked back towards the doors. The light was still in the room, slowly fading. The eerie aura like mist had vanished with the demon’s death.

Where is the payment I was promised? Malek whispered. Adarm stopped at the door, glancing

over his shoulder.

Look around you. A king’s gem in the wall over there. A greedy baron’s gold in that chest. An entire nation’s wealth in emerald in that small statue alone. It’s all yours now. Before leaving the room he plucked a large, black stone from the wall beside the door.

All except this. Even I need money occasionally. He left the room, vanishing into the darkened hallway. His clothes making it impossible to see which way he went. But I’d be fast in gathering it if I were you. His voice echoed strangely in the dark. For one, there is no telling when those remaining human guards will come here to see what the noise was, if they come at all that is. More importantly, I’d be more worried about one of His other servants coming. Her death was felt and will not go unnoticed. He might have some demons on their way here as we speak. Grab what you can and run. Fare well, little man.

***

Malek waited on his knees for what seemed like an eternity, listening. Silence. Adarm was gone. He couldn’t believe he had lived through this! He spared a moment to study the bloody pile that had once been a living creature. A demon he had heard of before.

Tales of her had been told in his village ever since he had moved there, he had always assumed they were just that. Tales to frighten the young. Now he began to wonder what other stories were true.

Gathering his remaining strength for the laborious task ahead of him, he shook his head at the sights. There was a lot of wealth here, and his village was in desperate need of wealth. No need for it to go to waste. He whispered the Words of Strength, Hiding and Quiet, and then went to work. Bagging all that he could. Even a small portion was more than he had ever dreamed to earn! But he needed to think of his village.

Taking off his dirty, bloody shirt, he used it to gather everything he could. When he could absolutely carry no more, he hurried from the damned place. In the back of his mind he had a nagging worry of what this was all leading to.

He felt like something of huge consequence had been set into motion. The thoughts left as quickly as they came, buried at the joy of his burden, and the thought of the look on his people’s faces. So happy was he and in such a rush, he did not even notice a single dark figure watching him leave.

CHAPTER 2

Cizdan

He moved swiftly through the night, tentacles of green mist whipping about him, striking out at any nearby mortal creature. Owls, wolves, humans, a trail of dead bodies lay in his wake. He lifted higher into the air, moving fast. A red eyed grugg looked up from its feast as he shot towards it. With a startled hiss the grugg vanished back down into its hole, by sheer luck moving just as a green tentacle of mist slapped towards it.

Normally the man, or more exactly what used to be a man, would have come back and slain the wretched creature, but not now. Now he moved towards the Palace. He had to confirm for the Master what he already knew. Sisbaen was dead.

Green tears escaped from his flaming emerald eyes. Tears for Sisbaen. His sister. His beloved sister.

"Sissssbaennnn!" His roar sent a thunderclap throughout the night. An unfortunate man who was out hunting night sloths heard the roar and fell over dead. He lowered his flight path, crashing into the forest. His sorrowful, rage filled howling echoed though the night. Giant trees flew like twigs from his path... then he saw the Palace. His sister’s Palace. He froze.

Around him the trees continued to break apart, shattering from the smallest touch of that green mist. The green mist itself continued to rage about him, smashing at the ground, striking upward at the sky, and whipping about in mindless rage. It was his aura of power and at the moment, he had no desire to try and control it.

‘Oh Cizdan. You little rat! Come here. Come see what I have found.’ The man turned, and to his shock, found himself looking at his sister as she had been as a child. A perfect, beautiful little girl. Her green hair spilling down her back, tangled from a days worth of rough housing, her emerald eyes sparkled playfully as they looked into his.

What’s wrong with you? Hurry up! She grabbed his hand. Her little hand totally engulfing his as he suddenly shrank down, meeting her playful gaze straight on. Actually having to look up a little to see those sparkling emerald eyes.

This way! She took off running, pulling him along behind her. He ran in silence, staring around him. This had been his home... their home. Giant, gem encrusted trees lined their path. Diamonds, rubies, cat’s eye, all growing from the bark of the fabulous trees their father’s new friend had magiced for them. He looked about him dumbly as he tried to gather his thoughts.

Just up there... beyond that cranky old tree. She let out a giggle as she ran. He looked ahead, wondering what was there. You’ll love this thing. Father’s friend brought it! She tugged him up to the big old tree, then came to a sudden stop. He stumbled into her.

Be quiet. She grabbed him around the shoulder, hugging him close. Slowly they stepped around the tree, peeking out into the large clearing. In the center of that clearing was a strange reddish lake, they had been warned numerous times to stay away. A warning they ignored often. And now, in the center of that lake...

What is it? He whispered, his mouth agape.

Father’s friend called it a sea gapper. I heard Father call it some type of demon. She shrugged. Isn’t it beautiful though? He glanced up at her, frowning. She winked at him. Look at it. Her little hand tilted his head slightly, making him stare at the beast. Just look at it. It’s so beautiful. You’ll see.

He slapped at her hand, but continued to look at the beast. It was solid green, a strange, glittering green. Its scales seemed almost transparent. It had fins, three tentacles where its tail should have been and a large gaping mouth. It seemed like a big, dumb, ugly fish. Its head was a weird shape, kind of like a fish head yet... not.

It almost looked like any old fish. He flinched when he saw its eyes. The fish beast was looking at him. Its eyes danced through the colors of the rainbow, then into colors he had never seen before. The colors danced and swirled and pulsed. He stepped out from behind the tree to get a better view.

Beautiful isn’t it? Sisbaen walked by him, tugging at his green hair gently. Come on. She bravely walked right to the edge of that small lake. He hesitated. She looked back at him, smiling. Scared?

No! He stalked towards her. He wasn’t scared! They stood near the water, gazing at the strange beast. Its eyes seemed to blaze even brighter. The colors swirled, twisted, pulsed... beckoned him on. He felt himself take a step forward. Its eyes pulsed faster, blinking through colors faster than thought. He saw Sisbaen step around him and into knee deep water.

Its eyes. They were so sad. He moved another step. It wanted help. It needed them. It needed–

"Get out of there!" Cizdan jumped at the shout, spinning towards the shore. Father’s friend was there, his eyes flashing crimson.

Sisbaen, I think– A splash. He looked at the creature. He saw the tentacle just as it wrapped around his head, pulling him into the water.

"Cizdan!!" He heard his sister shout, then he was underwater. He felt strong little hands grab his arm, trying to pull him free. He pounded at the tentacle that held him. Together they fought at that grasping limb, finally his head came out of the water. He could see the beast’s mouth gaping open, he could hear their Father’s friend laughing from the shoreline, he looked into Sisbaen’s terrified eyes. It hit him suddenly. They were both going to die. No, he wouldn’t allow that.

Let me go. He stopped fighting the beast and grabbed her hands instead. Go. Save yourself. He tore her hands free and was jerked towards the beast. Away from her. I love you.

Cizdan!! Noooo– Her words were cut off suddenly as the mouth closed shut over him, he felt thousands of teeth begin to dig into his flesh... he could see only the dark... the darkness and the digging pain.

***

"Arggghh! He jumped away from the thorny tree he had been touching. Wide, flaming emerald eyes flashed to the right and left. He crouched down onto the ravaged ground, shaking violently. The green mist surged up around him, surrounding him. He inhaled it, shivering slightly as it caressed his naked body. Memories. He whispered. His voice sounded like wind through the leaves... soft... hissing. Oh Sisbaen. My poor beloved."

He lifted himself slowly into the air, gently moving towards the dark, deserted Palace. As he neared he could see the detailed work he and Sisbaen had done. The beautiful etchings in gold. The smallest detail that only her delicate hands had been able to carve. Near the open gate was what remained of his golems. He lowered himself to the ground, frowning.

His burning eyes darted from one stone fragment to another. They appeared to be sword cut. Impossible. What sword could–?

There was two of ‘em. He jerked to his feet, green mist lashing out. E–Easy now lord Cizdan... tis only Mor. Just little servant Mor. He turned to face the cowering man. The man had been one of Sisbaen’s trusted servants. Short, fat, dirty blonde hair. Cizdan snorted in disgust. Humans!

And you did nothing to stop him? His voice was menacing. You let him escape?

"I tried to stop him, but when he saw me he said something and vanished. I tried Lord Cizdan... I tr–ackkk!" A pale, cold hand wrapped around Mor’s throat, lifting him into the air. The man beat at the hand holding him, kicked at Cizdan. It was like hitting stone.

Where did this Word Mage come from? Mor’s eyes bulged when he looked at the ground falling beneath him.

Where!? Cizdan shook him.

Gawk!! Mor spit blood. Cizdan loosened his grip.

Where is he from Mor. Tell me and I’ll release you.

He... Mor coughed blood. ... he comes from Waterkeep.

Waterkeep, eh? Cizdan looked towards the east. From this height, he could vaguely make out the village. Waterkeep. He turned his burning gaze back on the terrified man. You served Sisbaen well, Mor. As I promised. You are released. He opened his hand.

"Thank y–what!?" The man stared at him stupidly as he fell. Cizdan met his gaze all the way down. With a laugh, he lowered quickly to the ground. What was left of Mor was spread out into an irregular circle. Cizdan let the green mist roll around in it for a while before walking into the empty Palace.

He moved slowly through the hall, admiring his sister’s detailed paintings. The green tears began to spill again as he remembered her painting him. Actually tying him up, and painting his face and arms. She had laughed. He had raged at her.

Sisbaen. He whispered. The doors to her chamber were closed. The mist pushed them open before him. He was in total darkness. Darkness and pain!

***

The pain was so intense. He could feel them biting into him. Those teeth. Those hollow teeth. He could feel them sucking at him. Sucking him dry.

Cizdan! Her voice. So distant. No!! He felt something tugging at his feet. A tongue? The air was so thick he could hardly breath! Finally, a different kind of darkness came as he lost consciousness. The pain went away. Strangely, darkness began to brighten. He was above the strange beast. He was looking down at Sisbaen. She had found a stick somewhere and was beating at the fish beast. He smiled down at her. She was so beautiful.

Help me!! She wailed. Father’s friend laughed.

No! He shouted back. Then those crimson eyes met Cizdan’s. He’ll be fine, girl. Leave the gapper its final meal. I’m sure Cizdan would approve. He sneered at the boy. Cizdan shivered as he looked at that man. A strange red haze seemed to hang about him. He looked down at his sister. A beautiful green cloud hung about her. It was shimmering, as innocent and good as Sisbaen herself.

"No!! She cried desperately. Her stick beat at the gapper’s head continuously. Don’t leave me Cizdan! I can’t live without you!"

Let me die! Run away! He shouted. Sisbaen never even glanced up at him. Their Father’s friend did however. Glanced up at him and laughed.

Do you truly wish to free him, girl? The man stepped towards her. The water bubbled and hissed around his legs. Cizdan tried to shout another warning, but that red haze suddenly surrounded him. He struggled against it as it pulled him back down towards the gapper.

More than anything!! Help me save him you big troll jerk!

Anything? He sneered up at Cizdan. Cizdan fought the haze, tried to warn his sister, but then he was back in that darkness. Darkness and pain. He shrieked out helplessly.

"Cizdan! Yes... yes!! Anything to save him! Just help me!"

So be it. The man laughed. The World turned red. The darkness, the pain, all turned red. Then green. Green paintings. No... paintings turned green by the mist. Turned green by his power.

***

Paintings in his sister’s throne room. He stumbled over a large crack in the floor. The mist caught him before he could hit the ground. He blinked his eyes rapidly, trying to focus.

"Memories. So vivid here. I can feel her so–Sisbaen! He lurched towards the bloody pile. No!" He began wailing, falling to his knees. His inhuman cries shaking the walls around him. He dropped face first into the bloody slop, clutching at it, trying to scoop it back into one shape.

His beautiful sister. So beautiful. Reduced to this mangled pile of slush. He snagged a clump of long green hair. Holding the clump delicately to his lips, his snake like tongue licked at the blood gently. Help me find him Sisbaen. Show me your murderer.

‘Cizdan.’ Her ghostly voice echoed through the darkness. ‘We will be together forever now Cizdan... forever.’ He cried out as what was left of her flooded into him. Their shared memories. Memories of that man killing them both along with the gapper in that reddish, forbidden lake.

Memories of that man laughing as he reformed their souls, reformed their flesh, linking them with the gapper’s escaping powers as well as each other. Linking them to himself! They were no longer human. No longer young. They now knew that man was no man at all...he was the Master.

***

I am the Master now. You will both serve me well. He had laughed. Memories of them wrapped in each other’s arms, crying for days. Memories of returning home, only to find their house destroyed, their parents slaughtered.

Their new Master hovering above it all, laughing like the Devil thing He was. Telling them of the Crimson Star. Telling them how He had found more of the knowledge He needed by slowly disemboweling their parents and eating their bones. Cizdan and Sisbaen had fled, but they were never free again.

They clung to each other desperately every night, whispering words of comfort, strength and love. Only to awaken every morning to find that everyone in the village they had stayed in was dead. Slowly they came to understand their new powers. They came to know what they were. For half a century they had stayed away from their Master, then He came calling.

You have learned what you are. You have mastered your new powers. Now it is time to serve me. They had fought Him savagely, believing in themselves and their powers. But in the end, He stood over their broken bodies. Laughing that insane, hollow laugh of His. "I am the Master. Now you will do as I say... or you will die."

Two and a half centuries of servitude followed. They searched for any knowledge of the Crimson Star. Anything at all. He was at the Master’s Keep when he had felt her die.

What? The Master glared at him. Was that Sisbaen?

Even as fast as he traveled, Cizdan knew she was gone. Knew it. Felt it. Now he was seeing it.

***

Seeing it, but more importantly, seeing who caused it. The man came into view slowly. His strange

‘Those swords... ’ Sisbaen’s gasping, ghostly whisper. ‘... they took... me... ’ Her voice faded away. Cizdan opened himself to her gentle nudging. He felt her crawl into his being, crawl deep into him. Into his mind, into his soul. ‘I need the... rest... I need... think... ’ Her voice trailed off. He felt what little of her spirit remained curl up inside of him, trembling slightly. There she lay quiet as a mouse.

Don’t worry Sisbaen. We’ll get him. He floated to his feet, the green mist filling the room, lashing at the walls angrily. His blazing emerald eyes opened in surprise as he studied the mist, his aura. There were small yellow wisps fluttering about in it! Those were traits of Sisbaen’s power, not his.

We truly are one now my beloved sister. His eyes narrowed, green sparks of power jumped from his mouth as he laughed. We’ll get him... oh yes... and when we do... His laugh filled the night. Their combined power lapped hungrily at the walls, straining outward, pushing at the old stone structure.

***

The remaining residents of Waterkeep had cleaned up as best they could since that terrible night, however, here and there was evidence of the slaughter. A burnt down shop. Gravel spots that tried to cover certain large, dark stains on the ground. A large number of homeless children running about the Church.

The town’s innocence was gone. Now there were dozens of armed men and mercenaries prowling the streets, there were guard towers at the north, east, and south ends of town. The western tower was under construction.

This is the scene Malek stumbled into. He seemed to appear suddenly, falling flat on his face in front of the Mayor’s town house. A surprised alarm was raised, men swarmed towards him, brandishing swords and crossbows.

Tis only the Word Mage. The word spread, the guards dispersed. Malek rolled onto his back, panting. He had used every Word of Stealth, Speed and Stamina he knew to reach home tonight and now he was exhausted.

Where have you been? The portly, balding Mayor looked down on him. It’s been a long while now! We had begun to think you were dead. Where did that beast take you? He helped the smaller man to his feet. Why... ? He trailed off as he got a better look into Malek’s eyes. Come. Rest. Have some of Mariam’s sloth apple stew. Malek nodded wordlessly, stumbling after the plump Mayor.

After three helpings of stew, Malek said a few Words and pulled a bag out of thin air. It landed heavily on the table, which creaked dangerously under the weight.

Here. I couldn’t help that night... this should help now. He spilled the contents of the bag. The Mayor’s eyes bugged, his jaw dropped open. Gems, gold, riches beyond his imagining were piled around the table. A few gold coins clinked to the floor, where his children caught them up and took off running. Normally he would have chased them down, or ordered a guard to chase them down anyway. Now he ignored those few coins as his eyes drank in the wealth.

This... this will be... He was lost for words.

Will it help? Malek smiled. He knew what lay on the table was more than the entire village populace would make in a lifetime. There was more. I only had time to grab this though. Plus a little wealth for myself, he thought.

This... This is... The Mayor clapped Malek roughly on the shoulder, lost for words. So much good this will do. For the first time in weeks, the Mayor smiled. Two days past peacefully. Malek helped the townspeople with his Words. The Mayor divided some of the new found wealth among the citizens, kept a large chuck for himself, and handed the rest to his city managers.

After each pocketed what he thought was his fair share, they began to plan for the future. The word for more mercenaries was sent. The call for more people. Free housing to any family that came to stay. Free stores for any business that was willing to move in. Waterkeep would be bigger than ever.

On the third day, as Malek stood on his roof watching the townspeople below him, it struck. It started as a low rumble, then grew into a loud crackling thunder. The few townspeople who were out that late paused, looking nervously into the night. When nothing else was heard, they went back about their business. From his rooftop, Malek looked towards the West... towards the Palace. The horizon glowed an eerie green. He whispered a Word of Magic Sight.

By the Gods! He nearly fell from his roof at what he saw. So much raw power, yet at its center... something. Something was coming towards Waterkeep. With a curse, he leaped from the roof. Words of Haste and Speed and he was off,